The regular meeting of the LHA was held on Tuesday June 5, 2012 at 4:30 PM at the Curtis.
- The meeting was called to order by Chairman T. Sorrentino at 4:30 PM.
- Roll Call: Present – Tess Sorrentino, Chairman
Catherine May, Vice Chairman/State Appointee
Marge Pero, Member Holly Higgins, Member
Martha Joyner, Exec. Dir.
Absent - Jan Ward Others Present: Selectmen D. Roche, D. Kirby,
Tenants
No requests for agenda.
- Minutes-May Regular meeting.
H. Higgins made the motion to accept the regular minutes, C. May seconded. All in attendance voted in favor. Minutes will be forwarded to the town web site.
Accounts payable for May were approved. As of today the 4001 balance is approximately $8351, the water and sewer bill in the amount of $14,509.25 has been paid – note $4,000 was paid in advance, workmen’s compensation bill of $6131 was paid, $1255.35 was transferred from 689 MMA to 4001, as of 4/30/12 Curtis porch fund balance was
$ 1975.18 (including a $439 from Consignment Shop and $205 from lemonade sales). The LHA is over subsidized by $16968 as of April 30, 2012. Executive Director has signed a one year operating subsidy CFA with DHCD as required. Unusual to sign just a one year contract – maybe has something to do with regionalization issue.
- Financial future of housing authority
Exec. Dir. is very concerned with the viability of the authority. Rents as of 4/1 12 total
$ 34,455 a month if all tenants pay. We are no longer able to keep up with our operating expenses. Unusual number and conditions of vacancies due to smokers have put a huge strain on our cash flow. Without funding apartments have had to be taken off line which creates even less cash flow. The LHA has an unfavorable agreement with the commercial space (currently collect $661/mo.). Our sources of income are limited. Rents are determined by regulations. Dave Roche asked about possibility of sharing town services.
Tess suggested that a July meeting be set up with our accountant to ask what we would be allowed to ask for from the town, other options within budget we could implement to try to improve our finances. Marge suggested possibility of broader use of CPA funds – will speak to Mary Albertson and report back to board.
e. Project –Low Flush toilet Work Plan 1018/Project 152033
Toilets were delivered 5/31/12; installation will begin with 48 hr. tenant notice. The 689 oil furnace has been scheduled. Exec. Dir. requested and received permission to use CPS emergency funds for the Curtis Shop steps. Lenox Construction will perform this work as soon as they are done across the street at town hall.
As of 6/1/12 Curtis 1 – required complete clean-out (completed today) and will need extensive refurbishing as the former tenant was a smoker. Exec. Dir. is hoping most of the work will qualify under CPS kitchen modernization, TT 1- rehab can be completed now/apply for CPS kitchen modernization funding after 7/1, Families –1 (3 bed) duplex created from a transfer – still no funding for this rehab.
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Library Use of Curtis Shop – library is willing to donate $500 to porch fund. M. Pero commented that donation will be very much appreciated and is a great “good neighbor” gesture. M. Pero also asked D. Roche if there was any update on Wi-Fi upgrade at the library that Curtis tenants could access. He responded that is in the process. C. May asked if there was any plan that would be accessible to TT. He will look into that.
Holly Higgins resignation was received and accepted by the board. She is moving out of the area. Thanked Exec. Dir. for her hard work and wished the housing authority and the board all the best going forward ensuring a much needed service for the residents of Lenox. All in attendance thanked her for her service and wished her luck in her new home. D. Roche stated anyone can fill out interest form to be submitted to Selectmen to fill this vacancy. D. Kirby is interested and willing to serve. An interview will be held and Selectmen will make their public appointment in the future.
M. Pero asked D. Roche about possibility of Curtis redevelopment – not an issue at this time as the person who had expressed interest in returning Curtis back to a hotel has withdrawn.
Amend “Tenant Owned Vehicle/Parking policy. Exec. Dir. requested board members to approve *LHA is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to any tenant/guest vehicle while driving or parked on ANY LHA property. Lenox Police suggested this language and Atty. LaFore reviewed/approved it also. M. Pero made the motion to amend this policy as read. C. May seconded and all members in attendance voted in favor. All tenant handbooks will be revised and all current tenants who own a vehicle will be notified.
The Annual Meeting will be scheduled after the board vacancy has been filled.
The next regularly scheduled meeting 7/3 will be scheduled for 7/10 due to the 7/4 holiday.
- T. Sorrentino adjourned the meeting at 5:30 PM. All members in attendance voted in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha Joyner, Secretary to the Board
Executive Director
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